Order fulfillment is one of the most important aspects of an e-commerce business, and with the proliferation and growth of Internet-based businesses, comes the need to reexamine shipping logistics
. After a customer completes a purchase, shipping largely dictates the rest of their overall experience. Luckily, there are ways to ensure shipping expansion keeps up with business expansion.
Tips for an Effective and Efficient Outsourced Shipping System
Consider Your General Logistics Needs
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First and foremost, your outsourced logistics company should meet both your cost and shipping requirements. It should also combine the delivery experience you want your customer to have and any special logistical needs of your industry.
Next, make sure your chosen shipping company fully understands and can accommodate these needs. You both need to be in agreement as you work together to reach the end goal.
Finally, if you are delivering B2B, make sure you provide shipping rates and options that allow your customers to successfully maintain business.
Ensure Efficient Communication
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Communication is the cornerstone of any business endeavor — including fulfillment. Continuous communication between internal and external operations minimizes the risk of errors and oversights and streamlines the entire e-commerce process.
Luckily, GTI USA understands the need to know where a shipment is at all times. We provide state-of-the-art technology and dedicated representatives available to answer any questions or concerns 24 hours a day.
Remain Familiar with Inventory
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It’s vital to remain extremely familiar with your inventory data. Inventory management is a crucial component of your business, and an optimized stock management system reduces the chances of unnecessary disruptions and unfulfilled orders.
To help accurately monitor inventory, try using a digital stock control system. The real-time data can be transferred between contacts at every step of the supply chain, so everyone involved can cross-reference sales with stock management and consumer demand.
A structured fulfillment process is directly correlated to the success of an e-commerce business. Outsourcing shipping makes your business scalable and allows you to stay competitive with larger retailers. If you’re ready to find a logistics partner to fulfill your e-commerce needs, reach out to GTI USA today.
